DeMeco Ryans

Ryans attended the University of Alabama, where he played outside linebacker for coach Mike Shula's Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 2002 to 2005.[5][6] Ryans started his career by earning a role on special teams and backup linebacker in his first season. By making great improvements every year in his college career, Ryans went on to become the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year for his performance in 2005.[7] Later on, he attributed much of his college success to his defensive coordinator at Alabama, Joe Kines. He was named the 2006 Cotton Bowl Classic defensive MVP in their 13–10 win over Texas Tech.[8] Following his senior season, Ryans received the Lott Trophy for his combination of athletic excellence and off-the-field achievements and was recognized as a unanimous All-American.[9][10]

• 2006 NCAA Top Eight Award (Class of 2006)[11]
• 2006 Cotton Bowl Classic – Defensive MVP
• 2005 Consensus first-team All-America
• 2005 SEC – Defensive Player of the Year
• 2005 First-team All-SEC
• 2005 Lott Trophy
• 2005 Bednarik Trophy Semifinalist
• 2005 Butkus Award Finalist
• 2005 Draddy Award Finalist
• 2005 Nagurski Award Finalist
• 2005 Lombardi Award Semifinalist
• 2004 Second-team All-SEC

Ryans was selected with the first pick of the second round (33rd overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Texans.[15] He was the highest-selected Alabama linebacker since Dwayne Rudd was drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1997.[16] Though Ryans had been an outside linebacker in college, he earned the starting middle linebacker position due to his excellent performance in the preseason. In his first game, Ryans recorded a league-high 12 solo tackles against the Philadelphia Eagles.[17] He had an overwhelming impact as a rookie linebacker for the Texans, leading the team in tackles in the first half of the 2006 season. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 13 game against the Oakland Raiders.[18]

Ryans was named the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after finishing second in the league with 155 total tackles (Zach Thomas 165), 31 more tackles than the next rookie (Detroit Lions linebacker Ernie Sims).[19][20] He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.[21] In 2007, Ryans was named a first-team All-Pro linebacker and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in 2007 and 2009.[22][23]

On March 30, 2010, Ryans signed a six-year extension worth $48 million, including $21.75 million guaranteed.[24]

On March 20, 2012, Ryans was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round draft pick (used on Ben Jones) and a swap of third-round picks between the two teams (used on Brandon Brooks and Nick Foles). Ryans was immediately inserted as the team's starting middle linebacker.[25] Although the Eagles were 4–12, Ryans still made plays, leading the team in tackles with 113 while adding a sack and interception.[26]

In 2013, Ryans improved even further, leading the team in tackles once more with 127, while also recording career highs in sacks (4.0), interceptions (2), and interception return yardage (46).[27] On January 4, 2014, he had 10 tackles and his first career playoff interception in his first playoff game with the Eagles, a close 26–24 loss to the New Orleans Saints.[28] On November 3, 2014, Ryans was placed on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles tendon.[29]

Ryans was released on February 24, 2016.[30]

On February 28, 2017, Ryans was hired by the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach.[31] In 2018, he was promoted to inside linebackers coach.[32] On January 18, 2021, Ryans was promoted to defensive coordinator following the departure of Robert Saleh, who left to become the head coach of the New York Jets.[33][34]

Following a successful postseason for the 49ers defense, Ryans was interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at the Minnesota Vikings, but declined a second interview and opted to remain with the 49ers.[35]

In 2022, Ryans' unit finished as the top defense in football by DVOA, second by weighted DVOA, fifth against the pass, and second against the rush.[36] As a result, Ryans was named as the PFWA Assistant Coach of the Year.[37]

On January 31, 2023, Ryans was announced as the next head coach of the Houston Texans, the same franchise he originally started his professional NFL career for, after signing a six-year contract.[38] He is the third head coach hired in the last three offseasons by the Texans.[39]